Ransomes mower & Deere Tractor Combination chosen for Schools Contract

John O'Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd has recently taken delivery of two John Deere 5090R tractors, specially adapted and mounted with Ransomes Hydraulic 5/7 mowing units for use on their Leicestershire County Council Schools' contract.

Fitting the seven mowing cylinders, two under the mid-section of each tractor and five units mounted on the rear, was undertaken by Howard Marshall Engineering of Papplewick, Notts. This involved removing the original fuel tanks and fabricating and installing smaller tanks to enable the mid-mounted units to be positioned for optimum use.

Commenting on the new combinations, contract manager Steve Cooper said, "We took delivery of the equipment in late May and it has been working flat out on this contract. Although we've fitted smaller fuel tanks, there's still plenty to enable a full day's work. The operators like the power and ride comfort of the tractors and the productivity and finish of the mowing units is far superior to our previous mounted gangs.

They make a great combination. Another benefit is the compact nature of the units which makes them more manoeuvrable; this is especially useful in junior schools, which have smaller playing fields and several teaching staff have noted that they are less imposing than the previous trailed gangs."

John O'Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd has a long association with Ransomes that stretches back some 40 years when John O'Conner, the founder of the business that bears his name, created the company in 1969. Today, it retains its 'family-owned' values, but has expanded to become a major player in the grounds maintenance industry with a turnover in excess of £13 million.

For more information on Ransomes Jacobsen products visit: www.ransomesjacobsen.com